Sean McVay: Rams 'interested' in Aaron Donald joining Myles Garrett

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — More media members gathered at the Los Angeles Rams' practice facility than normal on Tuesday, June 2, and the vibes around the Rams’ practice facility were filled excitement and anticipation.

The atmosphere was warranted. Afterall, the Rams executed one of the biggest trades in NFL history a day earlier.

Myles Garrett is the Rams' newest star after LA sent Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second rounder and a 2029 third-round selection to the Browns in exchange for the two-time defensive player of the year.

It's already been a banner offseason for the Rams. They previously traded for two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie prior to the blockbuster Garrett trade, plus another starting cornerback Jaylen Watson (McDuffie's former Kansas City Chiefs teammate).

There's even been speculation that the loaded Rams might persuade Aaron Donald to come back for another Super Bowl run."Interested, there is no question," Rams coach Sean McVay said when asked Tuesday if the Rams had a desire to bring Donald back before pausing and telling reporters in attendance that they should see what Donald has to say. "Aaron's a guy I stay really close in touch with and I know the respect that he has for Myles, talked to him about the ability to be able to bring him onboard," McVay said. "If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip."

Myles Garrett hopes to bring championship to LA

Garrett expressed his excitement to join the Rams as he opened up his introductory press conference. He went on to say the Rams have a very "quality" organization.

“Very excited to be here. It’s an honor and blessing to be in this building. I have a lot of respect for all the guys here, from the coaching staff, management and the players. I’ve got to see it first hand. Very quality team, quality business," Garrett said. "I’m looking forward to helping bring a championship here to LA.”

McVay said it's rare to get a player the quality of Garrett via trade.

"It's a rare opportunity, and it is challenging. When you look at being able to acquire a player like this, these things don't come up often," McVay said. "He knows the respect and reverence I've had for his game. Just getting to know him over the course of his career and my coaching career. We feel like he can upgrade our football team. He's going to make a great impact."

Trading Jared Verse was 'hard'

McVay admitted the team's decision to include Verse in the trade to get Garrett was difficult.

"That was the hardest part of this decision, party with somebody that we love and care about. Wishing (Verse) the best in Cleveland," McVay said. "He's done an amazing job for us these last couple years, brought in energy a production level and toughness."

Is Aaron Donald coming back?

Donald, a former Rams defensive tackle, told ESPN's Pat McAfee that he's considering leaving retirement the Rams acquired Garrett. McAfee shared text messages he received from Donald in the June 2 episode of his "Pat McAfee Show."

"[The Myles Garrett trade] for sure got me thinking," Donald said via text, per McAfee.

McAfee wasn't the only one to text Donald about the prospect of returning. NFL insider Jordan Schultz also reached out to the 35-year-old to gauge his interest in returning to the field.

Donald's response?

"I’m for sure flirting with the idea," Donald says, according to Schultz. "Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility."

Amid all the chatter, Donald's wife, Erica Donald, posted "Ya'll are hilarious" on her X account just before McVay's comments.

Aaron Donald stats

Donald appeared in 154 regular-season games across his 10 seasons with the Rams. He made the Pro Bowl ever season, was named to eight All-Pro first teams and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards across his legendary career.

Below is a look at Donald's stats with the Rams:

Games: 154

Tackles: 543

TFL: 176

Sacks: 111

Forced fumbles: 7

Fumble recoveries: 24

Pass defenses: 21

Donald also played in 11 postseason games with the Rams. He totaled 34 tackles, 10 TFL and six sacks across those contests. That included a two-sack performance in Los Angeles' Super Bowl 56 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sean McVay, Les Snead set to introduce Garrett after Rams' practice

Rams GM Les Snead and McVay are introducing Garrett at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday following a Rams practice session during Organized Team Activities. Updates will follow.

Myles Garrett contract

Garrett inked a four-year, $160 million extension with the Browns on March 9, 2025. It was a record-breaking contract at the time, making the star the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

It is worth $40 million in average annual value (AAV) and includes $123.5 million guaranteed.

Garrett is under contract through the 2030 NFL season.

Myles Garrett stats

Garrett was drafted by the Browns with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and became an instant star in the league.

Through nine seasons, Garrett played 134 regular-season games and has 125.5 sacks to show for it. He has put up video game-like numbers across the board with 412 total tackles, 149 tackles for loss, 239 quarterback hits, 23 forced fumbles and 18 passes defended.

On top of that, Garrett is a five-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Injured Rams player carted off

Tuesday’s OTAs had a somber moment when Eddie Walls III, and undrafted rookie out of Houston, was injured. The Rams paused practice as the team’s medical staff tended to Walls. The outside linebacker was eventually carted off the field as all Rams players knelt. Walls was taken to a local hospital via ambulance while practice resumed.

Jack McKessy and Nick Brinkerhoff contributed to this report.